Phillies Trade Rumors: A's LF Brent Rooker Targeted amid Harper, Schwarber Injuries
July 7, 2024
As the Philadelphia Phillies wait for Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber to return from the injured list, they are also looking for help in the outfield leading up to the July 30 trade deadline.
Per USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the Phillies are "keeping a close eye" on Oakland A's outfielder Brent Rooker.
Harper (hamstring strain) and Schwarber (groin strain) landed on the IL on June 28 after they were both injured in a game one night earlier.
Manager Rob Thomson told reporters the team "dodged a bullet" and the hope is both players will be back not long after they are eligible to be activated on Tuesday.
Even if Harper and Schwarber don't have extended IL stints, the Phillies could stand to add another outfielder to solidify their lineup for the stretch run. Their leftfielders rank 26th in weighted on-base average (.284) and weighted runs created plus (82) this season.
Left field is about the only position that has been a disappointment for the Phillies in 2024. Their 58-31 record is the best mark in the league and their nine-game lead in the NL East is the biggest for any team in MLB.
Rooker has been one of the few bright spots for the A's over the past two seasons. He was named to the All-Star team in 2023 and could do it again this year. The 29-year-old is hitting .277/.351/.540 with 18 homers in 76 games.
The cost for Rooker could be steep because he's only making $750,000 this season and is under team control through 2027.
The Phillies don't have a great farm system, but president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski won't hesitate to move his best prospects if he has the chance to add a player who can help the MLB club win a World Series title.
